"With its well thought-out, inclusive concept, Reuterpark has become a very special place in Bonn where everyone should feel at home. There is a wide range of barrier-free play, sports and recreation facilities - and something for everyone. I am very pleased that not only have all the trees been preserved, but additional trees have also been planted," said Mayor of Bonn Dörner. "I would like to thank the 'Ein Platz für Alle' initiative group for their great commitment and the Sports and Baths Office and the Office for the Environment and Urban Greenery for implementing the project. I would also like to thank the state for its financial support, which has made this flagship project possible."
"As the first inclusively designed park in Bonn, Reuterpark is a milestone for the city and urban society. The park is an excellent example of how urban development funding can help to improve life in our cities and communities. And Reuterpark offers many highlights that will make young and old alike smile. The federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are supporting this construction project with funding of 2.115 million euros. I am sure that the park will also serve as an example for many other municipalities as to how inclusion can be considered and implemented in urban planning," said NRW Minister Scharrenbach.
"Converting Reuterpark into a 'place for everyone' has been a project close to our hearts for many years. We are incredibly pleased that this goal has now been achieved with the realization of the first construction phase and that everyone, young and old, people with and without disabilities, can really benefit from the easily accessible facility," said Marion Frohn, Managing Director of the Bonn Disabled Community, which is part of the "Ein Platz für Alle" initiative group.
The initiative group is made up of representatives from various organizations from the fields of disability work, elderly care, sport and youth welfare - in addition to the Disabled Community, the association "Der Paritätische Bonn", the Bonn City Sports Association, the Children's and Youth Ring and the "Lucky Luke" association are also involved. They also played a key role in the inauguration program. For example, the moderation of the stage program was designed to be inclusive with sign language interpreters. The initiative was launched back in 2013 and was followed by many citizen participations that dealt with the design of the park.
To mark the inauguration, the city of Bonn worked with many partners from the city, various (inclusive) bands and dance groups to put together an inclusive sports and cultural program for the whole family and for the citizens of Bonn. Sport, music and many stands provided a good atmosphere with sports and games as well as cultural formats and culinary offerings.
Innovations on the square
Highlights of Reuterpark include a barrier-free skate and pump track facility that is also suitable for wheelchair athletes and lots of inclusive play and climbing equipment for children that stimulates their sense of hearing and touch. There is also a boules court, a dog meadow, sunbathing lawns and plenty of seating spread across the square. The park is barrier-free and the newly laid paths are asphalted, which makes it much easier for wheelchair and walking frame users. Both the Haus der Jugend, which is directly adjacent to the park, and the nearby Bonn Fünfte comprehensive school can use the park for their activities.
Construction time and costs
Construction work began in January 2022 and lasted until March 2023, since when the park has been open to the public. The southern section of the park covers an area of around 15,000 square meters of the 2.3-hectare site. The park in the Kessenich district stretches between Reuterstraße, Hausdorffstraße, August-Bier-Straße and Bonner Talweg. The northern part of the park is being planned in a second construction phase. Planning for this is already underway.
The costs of the first construction phase amount to around three million euros. Around 2.1 million euros of this was subsidized by funds from the "Social Integration in the Neighbourhood" investment pact from the federal government and the NRW State Ministry of Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Building and Digitization.